On the Move: A Speech

by Bono

The lead singer of the award-winning rock band U2 delivers an inspiring and powerful message, based on the speech he gave at the 2006 NPB, offering a reflection on his own faith and a challenge to people of all faiths to reach across all boundaries and come together.

Genres: Nonfiction, Social Justice, Christian, Essays, Music, Christianity, Economics

57 pages, Hardcover

First published February 29, 2000

About the author

Paul David Hewson, also known by his stage name Bono, is the main vocalist of the Irish rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his wife, Ali Hewson, and the future members of U2. Since that time he has been referred to as Bono, his stage and nickname, by his family and fellow band members. Bono writes almost all U2 lyrics, often using political, social and religious themes. During their early years, Bono's lyrics contributed to U2's rebellious tone. As the band matured, his lyrics became inspired more by personal experiences with members of U2.
Among his non-U2 endeavors, he has collaborated and recorded with numerous artists, sits on the board of Elevation Partners and has refurbished and now owns a hotel with fellow band member, The Edge. Bono is also widely known for his activism concerning Africa, for which he co-founded DATA. He has organized and played in several benefit concerts and has met with influential politicians. He is the co-founder of EDUN, the ONE Campaign and Product Red. Bono has been praised and criticized for his activism and involvement with U2. Bono has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom, and was named as a Person of the Year by Time, among many other awards and nominations.

Reviews

[Jhcuatro · Rating 4 out of 5]

sitting in the bookstore I picked up this little book and after reading the first 4 pages in a total of 2 mins...I was hooked. I ponied up the money and was very thrilled to read the entire little book and add it to my library. Who says that being a "Social Activist" is all that Bono is? The issues he deals with and his use of scripture in this book, brought me to an understanding of who Bono really is. It even brought me closer to Christ, as I believe he has a heart for the orphaned and the widow, way bigger than mine. And while some may think that starvation and famine in Africa may not be "our" problem or may not move their heart to cause their feet to act, then what planet do you live on, and what exactly constitutes an "OUR" problem?

[Debbie Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Bono's speech from the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. in 2006. The photos featured in the book were taken by Bono during his work at an orphanage in Ethiopia with his wife Ali. We now see the face of the boy who changed his life forever.
All proceeds from the sale of this book go to the ONE campaign.

[Kristine Bagnara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bono's given us a gift in this book -- the gift of insight, compassion, and opportunity. I have often wondered what motivated a world-reknown rock star to so passionately engage in enlisting aid for the poorest in our world. And now I know. You can read this book on so many levels; read the speech and imagine the reaction of his live audience, read the speech again slowly and internalize what it means to you, and look at the photos and imagine what it means to those pictured. What Bono asks of us is so little, yet our positive response could reshape our world. Our lack of response could leave a world we should not wish on our children. This book's a "keeper". Read it and think about it.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d read this when it was released, but finishing Bono’s Surrender caused me to pick it up again. A speech (a message?) delivered to the National Prayer Breakfast on the subject of Jubilee, paired with Bono’s own photos taken in Ethiopia.

Takes me back the the days of Red and the One Campaign.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to read more about Bono's life and faith. He is inspirational, and I respect that he is using his platform as an activist for many important social issues.

[Bret Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and compassionate.

[Michael Rudzki · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Move is a short book, as it is the text of a speech Bono gave at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2006, illustrated with photos he took (and that were taken of him) on his visits to Africa.

Say what you will about him, he has used his position as the front man for U2 to help millions of people. He co-founded DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), EDUN (a fashion brand committed to source production from Africa), the ONE Campaign (which fights poverty), and Product Red (which engages businesses in the fight against AIDS).

The main point of his speech was to encourage richer nations such as the US to commit just 1% of their budgets to help those in the poorest countries of the world. He uses the commonalities of major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all of which command followers to help the poor - to appeal to the consciences of those in power.

Like Bono, I was disillusioned at an early age by organized religion. You need only turn on the TV on Sundays to see megachurches which spend millions on their buildings, sound systems, and TV coverage instead of doing what Jesus would be doing were he here today. "Religion often gets in the way of God."

But religions at their best can do a tremendous amount of good in the world, a point Bono made in front of people of all religious and political beliefs in 2006.

[The Ether · Rating 5 out of 5]

9 / 10.

Surprisingly good. It's just a rehashing of a speech he must've had to give, but pretty good. Powerful. I started this book believing it was about stopping AIDS, but there are mentions of assistance with businesses and other things in Africa that are finally acknowledged in a blurb about the ONE.org movement placed, confusingly, at the very back of the book.

PROS: Short, fast, easy to read; actually quite powerful; I typically don't like talk of God and religions, but what he does here is just fine - kinda beautiful, really.

CONS: This book is dated - I cannot see a speech like this moving our current administration one iota.

[Klieo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this book at least 3 times in the past few years. It doesn't matter if you are a fan of Bono or a believer in God or not, his speech (this book) is powerful, stirring, inspiring and hopeful. It forces you out of your shell to have a look at a world outside of your own. It causes you to investigate your own beliefs and perspective of the poor, on charity, justice and equality. It inspires you to make a difference. This little book carries so much weight. One that I will never regret reading.

[Judith Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple message of action not just talk.

A beautiful message of how to live the life all major religions proclaim not just give it lol service. By giving 1% more the life of millions( including our own) will be improved.

[Ben Donahower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling book about the power of God and the need to aid those in Africa.

[Nicholas Sirotko · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Move is written by Bono. Bono is a famous musician who plays with the famous rock band U2. Bono is known to make his stance on politics and poverty very clear. Bono founded the ONE foundation with Bobby Shriver. The ONE foundation focuses on making poverty history.

On the Move is focused in when Bono was asked politicians and faith leaders at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. This speech is focused on when he went to the mesmerizing continent of Africa. In the book, Bono says "Love is on the move. Mercy is on the move. God is on the move. What he is saying is that God is trying to make moves to better ourselves.

I think that this book is for anyone that likes to make a change in our world, if you like the band U2 then I think that this book would be great for you. I also think that this book would be good for you if you like to become motivated because that's what I felt when I finished reading the book.

[Sabne Raznik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't interested in the text of this book and refused to buy it when it was released in 2006 because the proceeds benefited a political activism organisation. But the book does have merits.

The text demonstrates how low Bono has sunk to achieve his sociopolitical goals. Scriptures from various religious texts are quoted inappropriately alongside of and in support of blatant political agendas. The result is at best tragically comic and at times nauseating. So ignore the politico-religiously adulterated text.

Instead, focus on the photographs. Given the hype that surrounds this book, I expected more photos and a coffee table size. It is glossy enough, but small. Still, these are photographs Bono took during his first trip to Ethiopia to volunteer for several months in refugee camps created by the widely publicised famine in the 1980s (including on page 17 the unnamed boy who famously changed Bono's life, as he likes to tell it). Those stunning silver gelitan prints make the book and give it slightly more purpose than unstomachable propaganda.

[Mark Uncommon Valor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was cynical. Not about God, but about God's politics. Then, in 1997, a couple of eccentric, septuagenarian British Christians went and ruined my shtick- my reproachfulness.
They did it by describing the millennium, the year 2000, as a Jubilee year, as an opportunity to cancel the chronic debts of the world's poorest people. They had the audacity to renew the Lord's call - and they were joined by Pope John Paul II, who, from a half Catholic's point of view, may have had a more direct line to the Almighty.

Bono.

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book pairs haunting photos with the stirring words of Bono at the 2006 US Prayer Breakfast. He presents facts about the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, then reminds that our inaction permits people to die. Specific proposals for change are offered, from the big (increasing the percentage of the US's federal budget devoted to poverty relief) to the small (advertising ONE.org wherever you are at on the web). I highly recommend this book!!!

Writing: B
Vocabulary: C
Plot: A
Level: Easy
Rating: G
Worldview: Christian, Jewish, Muslim

[Gheeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was inspired by Bono's address to politicians and faith leaders at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. in 2006. It is both a reminder and a call to action around Africa, AIDS and simple actions that we can take on behalf of the poorest of the world's poor. What a moving speech. Sure, some will say that this is just propaganda, this time around Bono's ONE.org movement. But what if? What if we took this seriously? What if we reframed the question? What if we gave one percent more?

It's an issue of justice. What if?

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this short one in one sitting at Barnes & Noble. Bono passionately calls us to faith in action and provides a truly global perspective. From what I remember he had a few interesting phrases regarding religion that I think I disagreed with, but it was an encouragement and conviction to hear someone speak of God desiring us to live out His heart for the marginalized and "least of these" as opposed to just focusing on our belief systems.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would make a great gift book for people who care about the world. It is the speech Bono made at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast, addressing world political and religious leaders about the devastating toll AIDS has taken in Africa. The speech is accompanied by beautiful, haunting images of African children that Bono himself took.

[Sarah Frobisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the text of Bono's speech at the presidents prayer breakfast. It is perhaps one of the most moving and pertinent speeches I have ever heard. Too bad it has not gotten the coverage it deserves. I love this book/speech because it is so inspiring and a quick read. It is a glimpse into the heart of Bono and much in tune with God's view of the poor, at least as I understand it to be.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a short read by one of my favorite people. It's really just a version of the speech that Bono gave to Congress at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast regarding the fate and future of the extreme poor. The speech is remixed with a cool design and beautiful photography.

[Gina Min · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book was Bono's speech at the National Prayer breakfast in Washington, DC. I bought it because all proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the ONE campaign to stop hunger. This is such an inspirational speech about how AIDS is effecting Africa and how we should help.

[Debie Orrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes mankind to change and better ourselves. It's through the use of our talents and skills that we can make a difference in the lifes of those that can't make a difference themselves. We must pull together.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually read/heard the speech soon after it was given at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast in DC. A powerful and stirring sermon to the world. Through grassroots education, awareness, and advocacy, we can make poverty history. www.one.org

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, but a heavy topic. With all the press coverage of Bono's efforts in Africa, it was very interesting to read this speech given at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Thought provoking and meaningful.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this for a long time, and I just read it on the opening day of the new U2 tour. The message is great, and it's powerful coming from Bono--I just don't like the actual speech very much.

[AJ Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A print of Bono's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. It was actually a really great speech, and he had many great points. I recommend reading the speech, if not the book. A definite call to aid.

[Jen Heininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a copy of Bono's speech at the Presidential Prayer Breakfast several years ago. The text is printed on pictures that Bono took while in Africa. I just think Bono is incredible; I think it's so cool that he was the key note speaker.... this takes about 10-15 minutes to read. :o)

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bono gave a stirring speech in 2006 to a gathering of world leaders, rallying them to his cause to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa. I thought is words were very moving, and I'm going to look further into it. www.one.org (May 2009)

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an amazing, powerful little book, I absolutely loved it!

Here is the link to the One Campaign Website for those who want to join the cause and take action:)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. It was taken from a speech Bono gave at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast. It's a beautiful speech with incredibly touching photographs.